Students

UF Summer Programs for High School Students

CPET offers a variety of programs for high school students, both local and statewide. If you are interested in receiving updates from CPET regarding our student programs please considerjoining our mailing list!

The UF SSTP is a seven week residential research program for high school students who have completed their junior year and are considering medicine, math, computer, science, or engineering careers. The program emphasis is research participation with a UF faculty research scientist and his or her research team. Students engage in the ongoing research of the faculty-mentor for 30 hours each week, attend a lecture series on current research topics, and participate in a UF honors seminar class. Students enrolled in a Florida high school have the option to earn dual enrollment credit.

JSEHS is a 3-day science conference for 9th – 12th grade students, select middle school students, teachers, and parents. The program is designed to seek out talented youth and help them develop their interests and abilities in science; assist students in career explorations in the sciences; provide recognition and prestige for students who demonstrate aptitude for scientific studies; offer teachers the opportunity to motivate students and update content knowledge; and demonstrate the vital role of the humanities in the development of scientists and engineers

Research Explorations is a two-week summer program at the University of Florida for students entering 11th and 12th grade. It is divided into two tracks – Biomedical and Ecotoxicology. The biomedical program focuses on translational research, from discovery-based research to clinical therapeutics. This program connects high school students to researchers in interdisciplinary biomedical sciences to promote interest in and preparation for bioscience careers. The ecotoxicology program connects university researchers and students to promote interest in and preparation for environmental science-related careers. Students will engage in a series of activities which highlight the relationship between biological, chemical, and engineering processes needed to mitigate current environmental concerns.

Research Immersion in Science and Engineering introduces students in the iterative cycle of innovations in science and engineering. Students visit active research laboratories and facilities, attend discussions highlighting current research at UF, and participate in hands-on activities and experiments with leading UF research faculty and graduate students. A culminating group project encourages collaborative learning, synthesis of ideas and technologies learned at UF, and the development of new project ideas.

The Gator Computing Program is a two week, non-residential program for high school students entering 10th and 11th grade. The program focuses on the pervasive role of computing in the modern world. Students will tour campus laboratories and see demonstrations from faculty in engineering, social sciences, medical research, and bioinformatics for an up-close view of what scientific work really looks like. At the end of the program, students will work in teams to solve dynamic, real-world problems using these new computational tools.

Humanities and the Sunshine State is a one-week residential academic program for high school students entering junior or senior year. Organized by the Center for the Humanities and the Public Sphere in collaboration with CPET, this program will provide selected students with a meaningful college experience that capitalizes upon the unique history and environment of North Central Florida. Social and leadership development activities provide a well-rounded and fun experience for participants. Through an introduction to how various humanities disciplines study water, Humanities and the Sunshine State will explore contemporary political topics such as tourism, food justice, aquifer sustainability, industrial growth, and race relations.

The Florida Youth Institute (FYI) is a one-week residential summer program for up to 25 selected students entering junior or senior year. During the week, FYI students will learn about and discuss issues pertaining to Florida agriculture, life sciences, and natural resources. Students will gain an appreciation for the range of college majors and career opportunities available in these areas. This program is sponsored by the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Florida, in partnership with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.